We all deserve the opportunity to get out and enjoy ourselves after the last couple of years but it's just about tempering it a little bit.
- Acting Superintendent Paul Bertoncello
Warrnambool's acting superintendent has delivered a stern warning to people who get behind the wheel of a car drunk on New Year's Eve.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Paul Bertoncello said police would be out in force.
"We don't want to be the social distance and mask police forever but when people start to cross the line and put themselves and others in danger, that's when we will intervene," Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said.
"We all deserve the opportunity to get out and enjoy ourselves after the last couple of years but it's just about tempering it a little bit.
"We want people to enjoy themselves without overstepping the bounds."
Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said there had been some concerning behaviour displayed on south-west roads in recent weeks.
"We did see some positive driver behaviour, but there was also some behaviour which left a lot to be desired."
Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said he was concerned the message about speeding and drink-driving wasn't getting through to some people. "We've seen some horrendously high detections in terms of drink driving and they're not tourists, they're locals," he said.
Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said research proved people often had accidents close to home. "We've all been through a lot in the past two years and some of the readings are up around the three, four and five times the limit, which is very concerning."
Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said driver distraction was another concern.
He warned people of the dangers of using a mobile phone while behind the wheel of a car.
"Unfortunately in the south-west there are narrow country roads and it only takes a short time of looking down at your phone to go off onto the shoulder or travel into oncoming traffic," he said.
Superintendent Bertoncello said police would also patrolling licensed premises on New Year's Eve.
"We'll be making sure licensed premises are complying with the laws and also the general public," Acting Superintendent Bertoncello said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
CORONAVIRUS STORIES:
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
Now just one tap with our new app: Digital subscribers now have the convenience of faster news, right at your fingertips with The Standard:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark https://www.standard.net.au/
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines and newsletters
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Tap here to open our Google News page.
- Join our Courts and Crime Facebook group and our dedicated Sport Facebook group
- Subscribe